Question about menstrual cycle stopping then restarting heavily

Posted by candychicken1989 @candychicken1989, Nov 10, 2019

Hello ladies. I have a question about what is currently happening to me. So for the past five years or so I have been period free thinking that maybe I hit an early menopause because when my periods stopped I also had symptoms mostly associated with menopause. I even went to my doctor and we think my periods stopped due to an insulin producing condition I have. My body makes too much insulin. However, out of nowhere my period started. At first it was light and brown and that went on for a week. Then it stopped for about 4 days. Then the real period started. It's only been three days and I've already gone through so many tampons and pads because the bleeding is very excessive. Not to mention the terrible cramps that go with it. Is this because I haven't had a period in years? Or could something be seriously wrong? I know it's best to go see my doctor. But it started Friday night and I live in the founding city of Veteran's day. Which means they'll be closed tomorrow. At this point I'm not sure what to do. I've been sitting in my toilet most of the time just so I can avoid too much of a mess. I'm just wondering if this is a emergency room situation or if it's normal. I don't feel faint or dizzy from the blood loss at this point. And I don't have insurance so the ER is a very last resort for me.

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Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Nov 10, 2019

Welcome to Connect, @candychicken1989.

I realize that this is frightening, and we’re here to help, but since you mentioned, "I've been sitting in my toilet most of the time just so I can avoid too much of a mess,” I’d sincerely urge you to get your symptoms checked out as soon as possible. No matter what your insurance status, hospitals and emergencies room must provide adequate care if your situation qualifies as an emergency.

If you have reached menopause — defined as 12 consecutive months, give or take, without a menstrual period — subsequent vaginal bleeding may be a cause for concern and should be evaluated.
Postmenopausal bleeding can have various causes. One of the most serious underlying conditions is cancer – for example, endometrial cancer often triggers abnormal vaginal bleeding. The bleeding also could be the result of endometrial hyperplasia, in which there is a precancerous overgrowth of cells that make up the uterine lining. An infection, injury or other pelvic trauma, and certain medications also have been known to cause postmenopausal bleeding. Please know, too, that the bleeding could be harmless, without any serious underlying medical condition causing it. But, at this time, you should see your health care provider to find out what’s going on. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-spotting-after-menopause/

I’d like to bring in some of our members who have talked about menopause, like @darcys @texasduchess @chamisa @youngsally @dschoening @capausz @baxtersmom, and also @vogelkm @confused77 @suzette @connie1559 @cwms who’ve written about abnormal bleeding.
@hopeful33250 and @becsbuddy may also have some thoughts for you.

texasduchess | @texasduchess | Nov 10, 2019

Definitely a matter for medical evaluation.

Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Nov 13, 2019

I also wanted to welcome you to Mayo Clinic Connect. That sounds confusing and difficult to manage if you are having to spend so much time on the toilet, @candychicken1989. How are you doing? Did you get in to see your doctor yesterday or today?

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Nov 14, 2019

@candychicken1989- Good morning. Have you been tot he doctor since posting this? Have you been checked for ovarian cysts at all? I know that bleeding vaginally is pretty scary after your periods have stopped. This actually happened to me after a hysterectomy. It turned out to be a cyst on one of my ovaries.